California lawmaker wants to let bars serve alcohol until 4 a.m.

March 13, 2013 6:14:49 PM PDT

SAN FRANCISCO --

A state senator from San Francisco wants to make last call a little bit later. Under Mark Leno's proposal, cities and counties could petition to serve alcohol until 4 a.m., as they do in other major cities like New York.

Leno says he says he knows the bill could raise concerns about public safety. However, he believes it could also benefit the economy.

"Given that we compete, not only nationally but internationally, for conventions and visitors, we are at a disadvantage because our cities don't have this option," Leno said. "That's all it is. It imposes nothing on anybody."

The bill would only apply to restaurants and nightclubs; liquor stores would still have to close earlier.